Residence: Olyphant
Title: Founder and program director
Q: What is Marley’s Mission?
A: Marley’s Mission offers equine-assisted psychotherapy free of charge to children ages 5 to 18 who have experienced trauma in Northeast Pennsylvania. Marley’s Mission arose from the personal tragedy experienced by my family and our 5-year-old daughter, who was sexually assaulted. The mission aspires to be a sign of hope, healing and strength for her and all survivors of trauma. Since our grand opening on July 5, 2010, we have treated over 1,000 children from 18 counties in Northeast Pennsylvania. Equine-assisted psychotherapy yields a variety of benefits, such as confidence, self-efficacy, self-concept, communication, anxiety reduction and, most importantly, trust. The mission aspires to be a sign of hope, healing and strength for all survivors of trauma.
Q: What is included with admission?
A: Admission is $50 per person. The evening will include live-auction items, raffle items and a 50/50. Along with the auction items, those that attend the event will enjoy brew selections from Susquehanna Brewing Co., passed hors d’oeuvres from Backyard Ale House and music. Food selection includes crab cakes, vegetable platter, Mediterranean platter and pretzel platter. All food and drink will be served individually to guests by volunteers. Live-auction items include Lasik eye surgery valued at $5,500, a Philadelphia travel package, two plane tickets to anywhere in the continental United States and much more.
Q: What else will be on hand for entertainment?
A: Music from Joe Nardone’s Gallery of Sound.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A: One-hundred percent of the proceeds will fund EAP sessions for children in need.
Q: What is your fundraising goal?
A: Our fundraising goal is $15,000, which will support EAP sessions for children who have experienced trauma.
If You Go
What: Harvest Hoedown for Hope
When: Oct. 10, 5 p.m.
Where: Marley’s Mission, 2150 Port Royal Road, Clarks Summit
Details: $50 admission fee, 570-587-HOPE tickets can be purchased online at www.marleysmission.com/events. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time. All COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
